Thousands of runners set for Asda Foundation Hull 10K in special City of Culture celebration

The UK’s City of Culture will be awash with colour on Sunday 18th June when thousands of runners take on one of East Yorkshire’s biggest and best charity road runs.

Around 5,000 participants will pull on their trainers for the Asda Foundation Hull 10K, now in its eighth year and firmly established as a major feature on the city’s sporting calendar.

The popular event is organised by Run For All and forms part of the legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson who, despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer, completed a series of gruelling challenges and raised nearly £2m for charity.

The flat course – great for novices and seasoned runners alike – showcases the best the city has to offer including the waterfront, marina and The Deep.

The 5th Hull Marching Band will be spurring on the runners as they attempt to set a world record for a marching band finishing a 10K run.

The team, led by Vicki Brownlee, are aiming to beat their previous time of 1hr 47 minutes – and raise £500 for the band’s minibus and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

Vicki said: “The marching band is really looking forward to returning to the Hull 10K this year, hopefully to set a Guinness world record! The atmosphere and crowds on the day will be fantastic, and we love being a part of it. All the practice really pays off.”

The large field – one of the biggest in the event’s history – will include a group of mums from Brough running in memory of their friend, mother of two Caroline Templeman, who died of lung cancer in January.

They will be joined by members of Cherry Burton Cricket Club, who will run in full whites in memory of late Chairman Ashley Godber, who tragically died in a road accident last month.

Army veteran Chris Ashton, who suffered devastating injuries after being hit by a grenade while serving in conflict-hit Iraq in 2006, will take part in a wheelchair, supported by members of Hull 4 Heroes.

Also lining up will be hundreds of businessmen and women all competing in the Hull 10K Corporate Challenge, in which teams from companies, sports clubs and other organisations will be vying for the title of fastest team in the race.

Asda Foundation Senior Manager Julie Ward said: “This is a very special year for the great city of Hull and I’m sure that will be reflected in what’s sure to be a fantastic race day atmosphere.

“We are delighted to support such a wonderful event that raises much needed funds for some excellent good causes. Good luck to everyone taking part.”

Run For All Events Manager Lynne Preston said: “The Asda Foundation Hull 10K is shaping up to be another great occasion and we can’t wait to see everyone there; thank you in advance to everyone who is supporting the event, especially our dedicated volunteers – we couldn’t do it without you!”

The run is part of the successful Asda Foundation 10K series which also includes runs in Lincoln, Nottingham, Burnley, Leeds, York, King’s Lynn, Sheffield, Bury and Leicester.

Many of those taking part will be running in aid of one of the event’s partner charities which this year are: Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Hull and East Riding (HER) Breast Friends, Candlelighters, Dove House Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, Special Stars Foundation, Jerry Green Dogs Rescue, Child Dynamix and Hull Homeless Community Project.

A limited number of places remain in this year’s event. To enter click here.